Archer continued spending time with his women and daughters while the construction on Avidia was nearly complete, thanks to all the legions working hard. Months passed by the time winter came.
Draconia had locked down the southern continent and was now looking west. The evening air carried a gentle chill as he stood on the balcony, cradling Evelyn in the crook of his arm as she looked up at him.
Her tiny, warm body nestled against him, her soft breaths a quiet rhythm against the distant hum of the city below. Freya perched proudly on his right shoulder, her small fingers tangled in his hair for balance.
Neoma, ever the quieter one, rested on his left, her cheek pressed against his collarbone. Kela clung to him, her little arms wrapped tightly around his neck in a grip that was equal parts affection and mischief.
Her hold was so snug it drew a ripple of laughter from her sisters, their giggles bright and infectious in the twilight. ''Kel, must you always strangle me?'' he teased.
